Horana


Horana is a city administered by an Urban Council in the Kalutara District of the Western Province, Sri Lanka. It is situated along the A8 highway between Panadura and Ratnapura, approximately from Panadura and from Ratnapura. Horana is also connected to Colombo via the B84 Colombo–Horana Road, at a distance of about.
Horana is the hometown of former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ratnasiri Wickremanayake.

Zone

  • Ingiriya
  • Gonapola
  • Neboda
  • Govinna
  • Galanigama
  • Thalagala
  • Hadapangoda
  • Pokunuwita
  • Ballapitiya
  • Kahathuduwa
  • Moragahahena

    Demographics

According to the 2012 national census, the Horana Divisional Secretariat Division is predominantly Sinhala Buddhist, with minority Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities.

Etymology

The name Horana is derived from the Hora tree, which historically grew in significant numbers in the area.

Economy

Horana is an important industrial centre within Kalutara District, largely due to the presence of the Horana Export Processing Zone, which operates under the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. The zone hosts export-oriented manufacturing industries and contributes significantly to regional employment.
In recent years, infrastructure development initiatives have been undertaken at the Horana Export Processing Zone to improve industrial efficiency and sustainability.

Education

Horana serves as an educational centre in the district and is home to several prominent secondary schools, including
The is located in Horana. Established in 1996, the campus comprises the Faculty of Performing Arts and the Faculty of Mass Media and was developed on land donated by the Sri Palee Trust founded by philanthropist Wilmot A. Perera.